That's What I Like About You

Even though the people that attend my leadership classes at work must think I have the worst kids in the world with the stories I tell sometimes, I really don't. I have great kids. All kids are frustrating at times, right? Sometimes, I don't want my kids to climb on me, hang on me, jump on me, ask me to pick them up, etc. But then, I talk about them sometimes and realize that they are great.

Gunnar is the best big brother. He is always making sure that his brothers are taken care of. Lately, Paden and Gunnar have been fighting quite a bit. But, you know that Gunnar still wants and needs Paden to be a part of his life. Gunnar and Paden have alternating nights they pick the movie for bedtime. Gunnar lets Fischer pick on his night. I didn't think Fischer was all into picking his own movie, so I didn't put him on the calendar. I guess I put him on for March. Gunnar doesn't like to have Fischer crying, so he's always trying to make sure Fischer is happy. Gunnar sacrifices his own happiness for his brothers, a lot. When Gunnar is doing something cool, he always wants Paden to be there to see it. I love that Gunnar loves his brothers. I know that when they get older, Gunnar will always protect them.

Paden is such a funny, smart, young boy. He just turned six, but has been a smart alec since he could talk, so we've been dealing with his crazy talk for the last 4+ years. Today, we were writing down our family story for the week. Paden was talking about OMSI and how they saw a real mummy. He made me write down all the steps on how to make a mummy, so in case you need to know, you can check our family journal. Then he was talking about how they couldn't go to this crazy donut store in Portland because there was a really long line. Paden said, "Yeah, and I was pissed." Yes, we told him that wasn't appropriate language for him. To which he replied, "Well, I was." Paden loves to help with anything. If you are cooking, he's there. If you are crafting, he's there. If you are vacuuming, he's there. Now, I haven't seen him show up when I am cleaning the bathroom. He always wants to help and learn how to do new stuff. I love that Paden tells it like it is. I love that Paden wants to be with you and give you loves. I love that he has to have 57 blankets and pillows on his bed. He likes to use them in different orders each night. Sometimes, it's snuggie as layer 1, Jaye Dean's blanket as layer 2, scooby then superman. Sometimes, it's Jaye Dean's first! He's silly. When he was sick, we put extra pillows to prop him up so he could breath; he's still using them, but not really proping him up, just surrounding him.

Fischer is a hoot. He loves to laugh. He laughs at himself. He copies everything the other two do. He knows what he wants; you aren't going to just put milk in his cup and not have him notice. If he wants juice, he will not be drinking your milk. He was counting the other day - about to four, Neil said he can count to five. I was unaware of this fact. He was counting CDs as he removed them from the CD case. He likes to dance. He likes to give the puppy a treat. We are currently out of treats and when I asked him if he wanted to help me feed the dog yesterday, he went to get a treat only to find them all gone. He had a crocodile tear/pouty lip meltdown. It was so cute. He likes cars & trucks. He likes Thomas the Tank Engine and Bob the Builder. He loves to throw things - we keep lots of soft, squishy balls readily available. He has great form when he throws; he steps with his opposite foot, he releases at a good point and he follows through. He also was in a "set" stance to start a foot race. He'd say, "ready . . . GO!" and then take off. He was racing himself, I guess. Gunnar did join in though. Fischer has to have a kiss before bed. He might get one first, but then he'll want another if you give the other boys theirs. He loves to GO. He will be ready to get dressed and will pester you until you are out the door if you mention he's going anywhere. I usually don't mention to him we are going until I am truly ready to leave. As soon as you mention "GO" he is up and at the door so quick. He'll find his shoes first if he doesn't already have them on. He likes to wear hats. One day he chose a ball cap instead of a knit beanie like he normally wears. He went through the entire hat basket until settling on a black NRA hat. Yep, the NRA. What a kid! I think he's going to be OCD about handwashing though; he always has to have his hands wiped or washed.

I love that my boys wake up in the mornings without issue. They don't always get dressed as rapidly as we need to; sometimes they stall really well. But, they wake up without an alarm and most of the time are out of bed before me. I love that they go to bed easy. Quite a while back, we started our bedtime routine at 7:30pm. That gives them time to wiggle and whatnot, but still be asleep by 8pm. Sometimes they fall asleep quick and sometimes not - usually Gunnar is the one who can and will stay up. Paden couldn't stay awake for very long and Fischer's been good about going to be.

They like to play and be boys. I like to let them as often as I can remind myself.